Policies & Waiver

The Groundlings School offers improvisational classes in a structured atmosphere, taught exclusively by teachers trained in the Groundlings program. Class registration is ongoing, and we post new classes weekly on Tuesday. Classes are held in The Groundlings School building, located at 7820 Melrose Avenue. Daytime, evening, and weekend classes are typically available. In order to maintain classes that are safe, uninhibited and encourage self-growth, auditing is not allowed.

School Policies

School Payments, Drops, and Credits

  • No transfers or refunds. Drop fees apply.

  • Drops must be requested via email to [email protected]. Informing your teacher does not constitute dropping a class. A $50 drop fee will be assessed for all drops requested less than 48 hours in advance of the first day, or after a class has started. We cannot give credit back for individual class sessions that are dropped less than 24 hours in advance. If I drop a class, my prior class results are not extended.

  • If I email a request to drop a class, I understand that the school will send me a breakdown of my possible fees and class credit. I will need to authorize the breakdown of fees or I will continue to be charged for the class.

  • If I fail to notify the School by email that I am dropping a course or class, I will be responsible for all school payments, regardless of whether I attend the class or not. Missing a class is not the same as dropping the course.  I am responsible for paying for unattended classes if they occur prior to the date I request to drop the course.

  • If I drop a course, I am subject to processing fees, and am only eligible to receive a pro-rated amount of class credit on my Groundlings account to use toward another class. No refund will be issued.

  • I understand that there are two payment plan options that I may choose from during the payment process, for an additional non-refundable fee. Payment plans are only available for Workshop Track, Core Track, and Performance Track, and may vary in availability. 

  • If I select a payment plan, I agree to abide by the payment schedule set for me. My options are: Payment Plan A: for a $5 non-refundable fee, you can pay a $100 deposit at the time of registration, and the remaining balance will be auto-charged on the first day of class. -OR- Payment Plan B: For a $25 non-refundable fee, you can pay a $100 deposit at the time of registration, and the remaining balance will be split: The first half will be auto-charged on the first day of the course, and the remainder will be auto-charged at the midpoint of the course. Please note, if you have a discount or class credit of any type, that will reduce the final payment only.

  • If I am on a payment plan or have paid only the deposit, I authorize my credit card to be charged automatically on or about the auto-charge date(s) listed on the statement I receive. If the credit card I have on file is declined or if any charge is not approved when submitted, I authorize The Groundlings Theatre and School to process to my credit card the declined/unapproved charge, plus a $25.00 late fee per payment, at any subsequent time in their discretion. If I wish to pay any portion of my balance with a check, cash or another credit card, or make any other changes to my payment plan, I understand I must do so prior to the auto-charge date. I understand that I will not be permitted to attend class if I have an overdue balance, and I understand that I am not entitled to a refund for any class missed as a result of an overdue balance.

  • I authorize The Groundlings Theatre and School to impose a $25.00 fee for all returned checks or declined/unauthorized credit card charges.

  • The Groundlings School reserves the right to cancel or change a class for any reason during the course of a session. As compensation for a canceled/changed course, I understand that I can receive either school credit or a refund for the price of the canceled class(es). The price per class is determined by dividing the total amount paid for the course by the number of scheduled classes.

Attendance and Advancement Policies

  • I am not guaranteed a particular instructor for any specific term.

  • Makeup classes and/or audits are not offered if students miss class.

  • I can miss a maximum of two (2) Core Track classes or one (1) Workshop A/B class and still be eligible to pass the course. Missing more than that is too much of the syllabus for the instructor to advance me to the next level.

  • At the end of the instruction level, the instructor, at his or her discretion, will recommend that I advance to the next instruction level, repeat my last instruction level or be dismissed from the School.  Instructors reserve the right to remove a student from The Groundlings School for any reason.

  • Full attendance in class is not a promise or guarantee of advancement at the School, job success, or continued employment.

  • I understand that I am not allowed to attend class if I have an overdue balance. I also understand that I risk being dropped from the class if I have any overdue balance with the School for more than one week. 

  • Upon completion of any given class, the teachers turn in results to the school office. Our goal is to have accounts updated within 72 hours of course completion. Students will receive an email once results are entered informing them they can sign up for the next level or use the repeater discount on the level they recently finished.

  • Upon passing a class, I have one year to enroll in the next level before the result expires. If I drop a class, my prior class results are not extended. After one year I have to retake the last level passed in order to advance. After two years, I  have to audition again and start the program over. 

Harassment Policy

It is our intention at The Groundlings School to ensure a safe and positive experience for our students. We believe everyone, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual identity, or sexual orientation should experience the gift of improv and have the opportunity to discover and share their creative voice. Please know that, due to the creative process in the classroom, you may be exposed to dialogue or physical gestures that could be considered offensive. Students should feel free to take risks without feeling disrespected. Fellow participants should give their classmates their attention, their support and encouragement at all times in class. However, if at any time you feel any action has crossed into the territory of harassment, you are encouraged to bring any and all concerns to the School Manager for confidential review. Communicating with the School Manager or your teacher will in no way affect your progression through the program.

Behavior

I understand that as a Groundlings student, I am expected to behave in a professional manner and be respectful of both my fellow students and instructor. Inappropriate, unprofessional communication with staff, teachers and students, including threats of harm to yourself or others, and statements inconsistent with the organization's core mission and values will not be tolerated and are grounds for immediate removal from the Groundlings School. Chewing gum, eating, taking phone calls or text messaging, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and any other behavior deemed disruptive by the instructor will not be tolerated.

Acceptance of Risk and Release from Liability

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a minor, you must have your parent or legal guardian sign this form.

I, the undersigned, recognize and accept the inherent risks and hazards involved in my participation in theater and school activities at The Groundlings (the “Activities”). I expressly acknowledge that the Activities may require physical contact, such as dramatic stage movement, that may result in injury. I agree that my participation in the Activities is at my own risk and that The Groundlings is not liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect, or punitive damages, or any losses, costs or expenses of any kind (including legal fees) which may arise, directly or indirectly, from the Activities or my access to or use of The Groundlings’ property. I recognize that The Groundlings undertakes no duty or responsibility for my safety, and I understand that I assume full responsibility for all risk of bodily injury, death, disability and property damage that may result in any way through my participation in the Activities.

Release of Claims: By agreeing to participate in the Activities, I also am agreeing to release and forever discharge The Groundlings, including its officers, directors, agents and employees, from any and all claims, counterclaims, demands, causes of action, obligations, damages, and liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected. This release includes claims for injury or damage, whether caused by the sole negligence of The Groundlings or otherwise. 

Waiver of California Civil Code § 1542: I acknowledge California Civil Code § 1542, which provides as follows:

A general release does not extend claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor. 

Being aware of said code section, I hereby expressly waive any rights that may exist thereunder or under any statutes of common law principles of similar effect. I understand that I am giving up claims for injury or loss, and I am giving up the right to sue for, among other things, negligence and bodily injury. I understand this release is effective until withdrawn in writing.  

Indemnification: I hereby agree to defend and indemnify The Groundlings, including its officers, directors, agents and employees, for any and all claims, damages, costs (including attorneys' fees), and causes of action which may arise as a result of my participation in the Activities, either through my actions or inactions, or through the actions or inactions of others, including The Groundlings.

For Minors: Parental Consent Form and Release

This Release is by and between The Groundlings and the parent or legal guardian of (child’s name). 

I, (parent’s or guardian’s name), am the parent or legal guardian of (child’s name). My child has permission to attend and participate in The Groundlings’ Teen Improv Workshop. As used herein, The Groundlings shall include the corporation, as well as its employees, instructors, officers, directors, volunteers and students. 

I expressly acknowledge that the Workshop requires physical contact, such as dramatic stage movement, that may result in injury. I agree that my child’s participation in the Workshop is at his/her own risk and that The Groundlings is not liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect, or punitive damages, or any losses, costs or expenses of any kind (including legal fees) which may arise, directly or indirectly, from my child’s access to or use of The Groundlings’ property.

Release of Claims: By agreeing to permit my child to participate in the Workshop, I also am agreeing to release and forever discharge The Groundlings from any and all claims, counterclaims, demands, causes of action, obligations, damages, and liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected. This release includes claims for injury or damage, whether caused by the sole negligence of The Groundlings or otherwise. 

Waiver of California Civil Code § 1542: I acknowledge California Civil Code § 1542, which provides as follows:

A general release does not extend claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor. 

Being aware of said code section, I hereby expressly waive any rights that may exist thereunder or under any statutes of common law principles of similar effect. I understand that, on behalf of my child and myself, I am giving up claims for injury or loss, and I am giving up the right to sue for, among other things, negligence and bodily injury. I understand this release is effective until withdrawn in writing.  

Indemnification: I hereby agree to defend and indemnify The Groundlings for any and all claims, damages, costs (including attorneys’ fees), and causes of action which may arise as a result of my child’s participation in the Workshop, either through my child’s actions or inactions, or through the actions or inactions of others, including The Groundlings.